At the Office of Disability Adjudication and Review (ODAR) in Cleveland, Ohio, 21 different administrative law judges (ALJ) conduct Social Security Disability (SSD) hearings and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) hearings. Currently, in Cleveland, the average wait time for a SSI or SSD hearing is 15.0 months. The average case processing time in Cleveland is 515 days.The Cleveland average for winning a SSI or SSD disibility hearing is 32%. Click on the name of one of the ALJs below to see detailed information about their hearing results. This information for the Cleveland ODAR office was last updated on 9/7/2016.

LATEST COMMENTS
to leave your own comment, select a judge from the list above and leave a comment on that judge's page

Judge Roscoe was arrogant, condescending, and just flat out rude. He barely let me complete my responses without interrupting me. Thought he was a doctor and contradicted what symptoms I should have for one of my diseases even when both I and my doctors notes stated what my symptoms are. Grumpy, jaded judge.

She was so much nicer than I thought. She made the entire situation easier on me, even though I was having terrible anxiety attacks.
And she had a great sense of humor and was very friendly and chill person.

This judge is terrible, does not care...tries to intimidate you....I don't think he likes women. I have had 8 surgeries on my back and he has denied me twice...I have worked for 35 years and have paid into ss......his decision was very unfair....this judge needs to retire

I found Judge Alston very thorough. She had true compassion toward me. Most are quick to judge because of my age, 47. To which my usual response would be "you lay pavers, shovel limerock & carry heavy equipment for 10+ yrs, & contact me when your 47" Judge Alston did not do that. Instead she reviewed my medical records very thoroughly and asked pertinent questions related to my injuries how they can to be and limitations.
I attended the hearing without an attorney, (fired them just weeks prior to hearing date notification). I had absolutely no idea what to expect, my anxiety was high & was in tears for the majority. She was amazing in keeping me calm & to focus. Her words soothing.
When it's hard to even leave your home, physically & mentally it's a nice relief to find someone in her position that is able to make someone as I feel comfortable enough to control my tears & answer the questions she had.
My decision has yet to come in,Whatever her decision, I am confident she will review all information submitted.
Five 🌟⭐️✨💫🌟

Judge Littlefield had made statements of SSA Juvenile law statutes in reference my sons disability case, and my sons age
is 22. When we brought up that the SSA statute should be referenced because my son is now 22, Judge Littlefield did not acknowledge the one that we were bringing up. I can't believe that a twenty minute talk with the SSA doctor would be more credible than years in the Marcus institute in Atlanta, and the full diagnosis from the Emory Autism Center along with notable Dr. Leslie Rubin. She gives me the feeling she may have become routine instead of a case by case Judge like her earlier record indicates.

I have appeared in front of Judge Dixon many times. In my experience, I have found him to be knowledgeable and thorough when hearing a case. He appreciates a case that is thoroughly prepared beforehand. He likes the evidence to be in the file early and allows the attorneys who appear before him to make their arguments before he makes a decision. Edwin A. Anderson of Cannon & Anderson, Attorneys. (865) 522-9000.

I feel the decision by the judge was unfair. My appearance seemed to aggravate her, knowing my looks have a lot be desired. Statements were made that gave me every reason to believe my IQ ranged somewhere around 60 because the VE basically called me a moron without saying it. She said I was only capable of doing the lowest form of work and quoted all those jobs available. When I spoke, I heard snickers, like they all thought I was a simpleton or cretin. My disease is the 6th leading killer in the world! I was denied with a very unfavorable conclusion. I understand why people commit suicide from the cold and quiet slaughter of human character made by these judges.

THIS JUDGE NEEDS TO BE REMOVED! I'm 57 years old, worked for 37 years in retail sales. I have lymphoma cancer, severe arthritis, bad back, hip replacement, CKD (result of pain medication) . I cannot stand for hours as necessary in my job because of back/joint arthritis and constant pain. Driving to work is challenging, I have a 40 minute commute. Yet this judge was more concerned in my appearance and how I traveled to the hearing (my daughter drove me, I dressed professional as I always have) Questions suggested I could "find a way to sit" or "transferring" to a backroom job. I was denied. My attorney was flabbergasted as I am. Now I see why. The highest denial rate for a relatively new judge earning pay in the upper 10% of SSA. This is a sham! Her high pay must be tied to her high denial rate. A disgrace to disabled workers and to judges!!!

What a waste of judge. Doesn't listen to you or read what your doctor has sent him. Didn't listen to the VE. The VE stated there are no jobs I could do and yet he still turned me down. I thought it was a robot sitting at the judge's stand where a real person should have been. Devoid of any personality. Try to avoid him if you can.

I am currently waiting on judge Leland decision...as we were at the hearing he was soooo respectful, he actually was listening and even was apologetic as we both talked at the same time. Very polite...I wish we had more time for us to talk, even face to face.
I at some point on Saturday wishes I could have called him..I was in so much pain and it hurts my heart that no one is here..I just needed someone to talk to..I ask like why does my back and knee hurt so bad. Like I done cried so from the pain sometimes tears don't even fall from my face. I just really wanted him to be here to see how I have to make it through the day..I went to go to the washroom and fell because my knee was hurting. My baby girl began to cry with me, that hurt me to see her hurt and she wants so bad to make mommies feel better. Let me go knees hurting and I'm trying to find a position in this bed because I want to sleep here tonight..thanks for listening.

Dear Honorable Judge Yelanda Collins,
First and foremost I would like to ask God to bless you for having to deal with so much and such a heavy load far as the workload that you have and I appreciate if you do see this message and God's name that you can add me to your list, Judge Collins I have had to have two major surgeries on my shoulder for major damage that has caused me to be unable to work since 2011- Present, I've been through the Storm and back but with Gods good grace I'm still holding on, I haven't been able to work at all since that time and I have no income and I was 46yrs old at the time of my injury and I'm 52 years old now and I am in diar nerd of financial assistance and I know I promised God I would be patient and I must keep that promise, I'm hoping that you may just take a moment of your time just to acknowledge this plea to beg you to see if you can please help me just to get a hearing date so I can keep my Faith at least to know that help is on the way, I don't even know how I got to this page to be able to express myself to you or even why I choose you out of all the judges but I just want to ask if you can please save me from all the hardship I'm going through just waiting for a hearing, and if you can please help me with any information that will assist me to at least get a hearing date, I have Faith in Our Lord Jesus Christ and all I'm asking for is if you can pray for me to speed up my case or if you can respond to me with any kind of updates on the status of my case, I really need your help if at all possible please help me.
Thank you even if this message touched your heart in any kind of way, I'm located right here in Jacksonville Florida, 32208
May God bless you even if there's nothing you can do I appreciate you just taking a moment just to read my comment I know that I can't expect anything more than that but I know All things come through and from Almighty God, so I will stay strong, be patient and keep my Faith that this is my Season, Amen

Be careful with this ALJ and be prepared to get denied, even if you have got a good case. It does not matter if you are 55 or older, you will get denied even if your doctors say you are disabled. He does not believe what he is told by claimants.

Judge Andrew Emerson presided over my hearing on March 2016. He was very professional to me and my attorney. He asked me clear, concise questions such as.." How do you spend day?" Why are you unable to work? How far can you walk? Etc..He allowed me to explain and finish my thoughts. He was never rude or condescending. The VE expert said a few words to the judge at the end of the hearing. Overall, this Judge made the experience much less scary. Thank you Judge Emerson...

I had a hearing with judge fallis in February 2016. I found him to be a very nice man.we did the video conferencing which was a little bit weird to me but all in all he made me feel comfortable. I am still waiting on a decision as of yet.

Why is this judge here? She heard my case December 16, 2015 and denied it also. I have nothing mean to say about her, but I know my body and what I can and cannot do and at this point I am 57 years of age. I was working towards my retirement and had a tumor found on my spinal cord. The removal of the tumor cause me more problems than before it was removed, but for her to make a decision on me being able to hold down a job when I take pain meds four times a day. I found it hard to stand at my sink to wash dishes, or cook. I can't stand cold weather or the air conditioner. She asked how I could be at my hearing and that how I looked. Well what did she want me to do come as I looked when I got out of bed? Really, but looking at these status and this just is just amazing. How do they sleep at night? Do they serve a God and how do they do it. I will not give up and just keep on doing what is required of me by the state of SC. I will be 62 in 5 more years. Will they deny me for the next five year I have heard so people say they have tried for a total of 9 years to get disability? What kind of system is this?

I saw Judge Rose yesterday and I was so scared and nervous when I went into the room but once Judge Rose started talking to me you can see he is a very fair judge he really reads your case very well and he understands when a person is lying or being sincere I poured my heart out to him yesterday and he listened to every word I was very honest to...I have been homeless now for Quite a while my mental is unstable and my leg and back kills me everyday from having degenerated disc disease...but Judge Rose I want to thank you for listening to me you made me feel it was ok to open up and share my pain with you and the reason why I need this so bad...I have faith in God and I know in my heart Judge Rose knows this is my last hope here of ever trying to have some stability in life, if I got denied I couldn't tell you how I would feel or what I would do with myself this is really my last hope....so I'm going to pray do hard that Judge Rose really understands that by him granting me my social security will give me some faith and give me some stability in my life where I know I'll never be homeless again..thank you Judge Rose for taking the time to hear me out yesterday I know whatever decision you make will be in my best interest cause you care about others and you want to see people ok not out here messed up...God Bless You and your family Judge Rose.

I have a hearing coming up before this judge. I don't see how this system is fair. There are judges with a 75% approval rate and others with 38%. I have not had any income for 2 years. This decision is vital for me to have quality of life again. I worked 36 years of my life and would be working today if I could. So it scares me to think I may not be approved because of the judge I was assigned.

A very nice man. He asked many questions concerning my disability and other health problems I didn't list on my application. He was very compassionate when I broke down and gave me time to get myself back together to answer more questions. When it came to the VE listing jobs I could preform, it felt like the judge was on my side when he kept reminding her of my restrictions. By the end the VE had no jobs I could do. The judge then stated that I would hear from him in written form. The only thing I wish is he could of give me an answer right there. I hope that the reason I have to wait is for him to take a closer look at my records. It's been a long journey to this point

I was denied after my hearing. A lot about my denial letter is either wrong or missing. No mention of my medications that make me tired. No mention that I have MRSA and can't have abdominal surgery. She wants me to work in a factory after being a bank manager? With men after being sexuallu harassed then wrongfully terminated? Wow I think I was discriminated against for many reasons.. In the letter I have problems talking to people then later I don't? Wow I want going to win unless I was locked up in a rubber room

I WOULD LIKE TO START BE SAYING PLEASE EXCUSE MY POOR GRAMMAR. I WOULD LIKE TO PERSONALLY AND PUBLICLY THANK JUDGE ERIC WESTLEY FOR HIS PARTIALLY FAVORABLE DECISION CONCERNING MY ONGOING CASE WITH SSI, EVEN KNOWING HIS APPROVED CASES ARE AMONG ONE OF THE LOWEST IN CLEVELAND. WITH THAT BEING SAID THANK YOU FOR YOUR DECISION AND CONSIDERATION IN THE HANDLING OF MY CASE.

I dont think this judge was fair. He didnt take into account anything my treating doctors had to say, only to give all weight with a state examiner that had either never met me, or briefly met me. My life has been so negatively affected by this decision,and appeals take over a year. It isnt fair that he could take this decision so lightly when my entire life depends on it, and when legal errors are made,it will take over a year to fix it. Maybe he would be a little more compassionate if his pay was suspended for an entire year every time he made a mistake in someones case. Just because it will eventually be paid if approved doesnt mean its ok to make someone suffer for a year like I am suffering now. Not knowing if your going to have a place to live is a horrifying feeling,and being absolutely helpless to the situation is even worse.

I had my hearing yesterday in front of judge rose I walked in nervous and shaking like I don't know what after awhile of talking with the judge I felt comfortable and I begin to feel at ease. Win or lose my case he is fair he listens and he is a very nice man!!! Also I didn't have a lawyer by my side so the questions were simple and understandable where you can understand what heis saying thanks judge rose.

Very polite Judge. Did what I would term a standard hearing with opening statement, questioning of the claimant, VE questions, and closing statement. The Judge did the vast majority of the questions to the claimant. I don't know the outcome yet but I have no complaints regarding his professionalism.

I was very surprised and somewhat offended that the judge went on the record to ask me about my experience representing claimants. What if this had been my very first hearing, would that have made him biased? The judge was very pleasant and very fair. I have a significant amount of experience, but what about new reps? It was the first time I had encountered this, and it wasn't pleasant, but the judge was very nice.

My hearing was September 28th. My case was left open and now scared it will take a long time to hear a decision. Judge Hixson was very nice but my council was not good. She didn't submit records I told them about and they blamed me. I hope judge Hixson will see through a lot of that. She seemed very caring and aloud me to speak, however my anxiety was so bad I didn't tell her everything I needed to about my pain and how severe my depression is. I was way too nervous. I think the judge saw I worked my whole life and couldn't believe I was in disability court.

This guy is the poster child for the new "model" ALJ ODAR has hired, i.e. robotic in demeanor; devoid of any emotion during the hearing; asks an inordinate number of questions, many of which aren't necessary/non-sensical and/or irrelevant to the underlying issues; and seemingly euphoric when he goes to great lengths to slam a claimant's credibility in his hearing decisions.

Wonderful judge. Don't have a decision, of course if denied I will be somewhat angry as would anyone. But, I can't ask for a more level playing field than with this judge. He goes by the book, but makes people comfortable. I hope he serves for many years to come.
This judge does not seem to be doing this for the paycheck, but for the greater good......
I stand by these words even if I get a denial.

Wow! I thought she was a very good judge in the courtroom, I felt that I was heard and the questioning was very thorough to get an idea of why I have had to apply for disablity, until I got my decision...she took my testimony and only used parts of it or used it incorrectly to say that I was not credible! The hearing is audio taped, how can a judge not correctly document your testimony? How can they use parts of it and put it wherever they want to say you are not credible? It looks like she focused on one aspect and then 'cherry picked' through the testimony to find a way to discredit me and justify her decision. Not one mention of anything that was testified to of my daily pain and pain when trying to do household chores and the fact that I stated that my children and husband take the brunt of everything...she simply stated that I testified that I do all this, plus much more! She also discredited me for the fact that I had no choice but to drive myself to the hearing, without stating the reason that I explained and how I felt because of the drive and walk to the office. These are just a few things!

My experience before Judge Beekman was very comfortable and I felt that he actually listened to me as a person with many health problems that have caused me to not be able to do any type of gainful employment. He was fair in his questioning and he LISTENED to me when I was asked to speak. In his decision, he followed all the applicable laws for disability requirements. I am very grateful that he thoroughly reviewed my case and gave me a fully favorable decision. Many thanks for such a competent Judge.

I had my hearing in Apr 2015,he pretends to care but he has an hidden agenda. I was not allowed to ask about the side effects of my medication does cause when i am operating a motor vehicle. I know that people say it's not about race but it really is with this judge. Be careful at his hearing his kindnesss can be a sheild. He stated the cause of my ptsd was because my water was disconnected just an example of what he put in his answer.

I went before Judge Dixon on May 13, 2015. He made me feel at ease, and he listened to me and treated me with respect. Judge Dixon is a very good Judge and a honest human being. He told me would let me know decesion in two weeks, whether i am approved or denied, I know Judge Dixon was a fair Judge to me.

I just had my case heard last week and it went really well. Judge Hanekamp was very sympathetic to my diagnosis and very respectful to not only me but also to my lawyer. He knew that I had trouble with my heath and gave me extra time to answer his questions. I couldn't have asked for a better Judge. Even though I haven't heard his decision just yet, I still had a very positive experience. There should be more like him around.

I just thought I would have yo say something about my case. It is just so hard to believe that this judge would denied my case. I have s disease that is not visible to the human eye. When you a disease that's destroying your muscle,that is slow moving and people don't take the time to research and learn about a dfiseade that there is no cure for nor a treatment to make it better. I just don't understand this. I feel the dedesion is wrong.I have worked all my life and just couldn't do it anymore because of all the pains I have on a daily bases. I don't know what it is yo have a good day pain free. Its no right, but who am I .I wonder what purpose am I serving by living everyday.

I am currently waiting for Judge Leland decision on my case. As far as the hearing went, I found the judge to be very polite in asking questions pertaining to my case. I thought he treated me fair and he also seemed to be well educated as far as the disability laws go.

Carefully prepared on my medical records , listen to me like she cared ,didn't make me feel like just another number , Anyone that gets her as their Judge feel Bless , Thank You Judge Cheryl Rini, And Bless you .

Five stars! Compassionate and knowledgable. She kind of rambles through the medical records, commenting on things she notices. As an attorney I hardly asked a single question. The hearing was fast, the result good (and fair!).

Judge Kearney was a very level headed and completely professional person. He made me feel at ease with all the questions he asked while asking me directly the questions instead of asking my attorney. He made me feel as though I was in the process so he could make the best possible decision. He was a very fair man and who completely explained and introduced everyone who was in the court proceedings. It went very smoothly and I felt he understood what I have been going through. He is a very honest and fair man. Thank you for your time and professionalism.

Great and compassionate Judge. I was awarded my Disability this year and I up for review. I have faith in God that Judge Rose will rule in accordance win or loose, he made the last hurdle a compassionate one allowing to me get the care that is needed.

Judge Loucas is very knowledgeable about the law concerning disability. She looks and asks you about your complete work and medical histories. Your lawyer needs to be very prepared to countering and follow her logic of applying the laws to your case. If you can do ANY type of work, you will not prevail in her courtroom.

Dear 6/10/2014 - Waiting for a Hearing and inquiring about ALJ Lobo. You are not going to have your case heard by ALJ Lobo as she has retired. She was wonderful to appear before and she was very "pro-claimant." Keep in mind that the main thing any of the other ALJs will base their decision upon is the medical treatment evidence you have received for your condition and how you have responded to this. Your testimony is considered to the point that it coincides with your treatment records.

I am waiting on a hearing date, which should be coming up very soon and I am really hoping to get this judge. I have been told that she is down to earth and very easy to talk to and that is what I need. I suffer from panic attacks, anxiety, depression, bi-polar,personality disorder, mood disorder, a tumor in my neck, and several other problems and am not sure that I am going to make it through my hearing without breaking down or snapping on someone. I very nervous about the situation and I have worked my whole life since I was 12 until two years ago. Can anyone let me know if I am hearing the right things about this particular judge please? Thank you

I only just had my hearing for ssd this morning but I have to say that regardless of the outcome, I found Judge Kearney to be a very pleasant and likeable man. He made me feel very comfortable and at ease throughout my hearing. If I was given the choice of judges I wouldn't think twice in choosing Judge Kearney.

I think Judge Kearney is a very nice compassionate man. I do not know the outcome of my hearing yet but that's okay for now. I was so nervous and tried my best to not get too emotional and he understood.

I went before Judge Lobo on 3/11/2014 and, as nervous as I was, she put me at ease and was a wonderful judge. Between my attorney and Judge Lobo, I couldn't ask for a better combination in an effort to receive Disability Benefits. Judge Lobo was very compassionate and seemed genuinely interested in my case and the background leading up to my disabilities. She is truly a caring judge. I am grateful to have had her as my hearing judge and now I just wait and hope for the Best!

I didn't think it was possible to feel more depressed, anxious, sad, panicked, and sick. Thank you for proving me wrong Ms. Collins. I was a tax-paying citizen for 16 years before becoming ill. I told Ms. Collins of my plan of action to get well in the not-to-distant future. I told the truth as nervous as I was.
What I received in return was an unfavorable decision in which 2 things were stated that I never said (and I am sure I didn't say them because they are just plain untrue) and most of what I did say was omitted or ignored.
This has been such a heavy, dejecting process. I am sad, but I am also so angry that this woman who knows nothing about me (and has the facts wrong about what she thinks she does know) gets to decide if I am sick enough to use the Social Security that I have paid into my whole life for what it is intended for.
I understand that many do take advantage of the system. I told the truth and had all my ducks in a row. So, why am I sitting here worrying about how I am going to tell my kids that we have to move our of the only home they have ever lived in?

The Judge has ruled totally incorrect in a recent case. Since her major back surgery in October the lady has lost over 50 pounds and now only weighs 94 pounds. On top of that she had two other surgeries 2 weeks fter her back surgery and has since been diagnosed with chronic pancreatitus. She has been in and out of the hospitial since October 2, and now is hospitalized again and today had to have a feeding tube inserted since her pancreatitus had worsened. On top of all of this this Judge totally ignored the facts in this case. Just another BS rubber stamp denial. He doesn't even rate having any stars. His 12 page report was horse .... and he knows it. And the examing doctor that stated she could lift a hundred (100) pounds will be sued for improper diagnosis and malpractice.

I had a court date with Judge Lobo on November 19, 2013 and she was wonderful. She was very understanding and compassionate. She approved my case after almost 5 years of fighting. My wife and I have to say THANK YOU Jude Lobo for your understanding and ruling on the case. I am so grateful to you for this your honor.

Judge Hanekamp was very pleasant and attentive to my issues!!! I could not have asked for a better Judge to handle my case!!! Very nice and professional!!! I still dont know my judgement yet but either way I had a very positive experience with Judge Hanekamp!!!

I had my hearing on /aug. 13, 2013...still waiting for a decision. I called ODAR in St. Petersburg and they said a decision has been made and it has been sent to a decision writer....then it goes back to the judge for final editing...then they send the decision out. No one would tell me the decision....I guess it is top=secret..but Judge Lobo was fair, compassionate, sensitive and did say that she would get my file over to processing for payment. That was at the hearing...although it was not a on the record decision, I still have to wait for the "letter". Hopefully I will hear something in the next few weeks....things are getting rough financially.

WE have people out here that get SSD and work full time and only have fibromyalgia n depression. I go to work fighting my pain with my back swelling back and hips and legs. I have gone to doctors after doctors and they can not find what the cause is, while that I fight to work to keep a roof over my head 21 hours a week. I go to school to keep my mind going and fight sitting and standing. This lawyer denied me for that. But orhter people get it for easy things. this is a shame people fighting for the pain they can not tolerate. I will fight more. it is that days i dont even want to be here because of the pain.

I don't understand how come it takes so long to make decisions on cases. I fight my pain everyday,wake up every day n go to sleep in pain. There are times after working i want to go the ER because i hurt so much. No medicine will help my pain Dr.s have tried everything. I work go to work n fight my pain just to keep a roof over my head. I go to school to keep my mind going n better myself and fight pain walking,sitting and standing. I have a feeling it will be denied and I'll have to start all over again. These doctors out here really don't want to help you if your on medicaid and it is a shame.

Note: These percentages are deceptive. Fallis' effective fully favorable win rate is only 29.2%. Take the total number of fully favorable decisions issued (61) and divide this number by the total decisions issued (209). See http://www.socialsecurity.gov/appeals/DataSets/03_ALJ_Disposition_Data.pdf. These are official ODAR numbers are for the period 9/29/12 through 4/26/13. Although I've never practiced before this judge, numbers like these speak for themselves.

does he appove on the record requests, before hearings ? if so how long before actual hearing ? please submit a answer asap ? please ? just wondering because I have several herniated disks (7) including neck and took forever to get any type of treatment and was denied on application and reconsideration and practically homeless and need help financialy.And I see him in several months for hearing. Any suggestions ? I hear he is very fair though .

IM WRITING TO SAY THAT SHE IS A FINE JUDGE,SHE LISTENS TO WHAT YOU HAVE TO SAY AND REALLY SEEMS TO CARE ABOUT WHAT YOU HAVE BEEN GOING THROUGH.
I REALLY WANT TO THANK HER FOR ALL OF HER KINDNESS AND APRROVING MY CASE IT HAS BEEN A LONG FOUR YEARS.
SHE IS VERY COMPASSIONATE AND VERY PATIENT AND I WAS SO NERVOUS SHE TALKED TO ME LIKE I WAS A HUMAN BEING NOT A NUMBER ON A DOCKET,SHE MADE ME FEEL LIKE I WAS TALKING TO A FAMILY MEMBER AND SHE REALLY DOES UNDERSTAND.
IM SURE SHE HAS SEEN AND HEARD IT ALL AND AGAIN I WOULD LIKE TO THANK HER FOR HER DECISION AND HER TIME.
THANK YOU AGAIN

I was made to feel comfortable during hearing, usually I'd have been a sobbing wreck. The interview was a teleconference from Minneapolis, and I guess I just wasn't keen on doing it that way, but Lawyer's rarely tell the truth...After the hearing I felt the only problem was that it felt so nice that she didn't make me spill my guts and cry the whole time, which is hard for a guy to do. But I hope that all the medical evidence holds it's weight, because now I think about it I should have brought much more to bear! Hearing was on 3/5/13 it is 4/8/13 no word but I feel positive because of honesty, alj's had reviewed records before hearing, I could tell by the questioning, which made my day! As with Bi-Polar things are balancing once again, she could read that from medical reports, And I hope that after all the years of suffering institutions, hospitals a brighter future will be in store, although most days are still unreal...

I just had a hearing before Judge Westley. He seems nice enough, but I am nervous because of his approval ratings. His approved cases is among one of lowest for the Cleveland Office and it says a lot about him.

ALJ Hanekamp is one of the most pleasant judges to work with. He knows his stuff, he has a good sense of humor and a nice disposition. He is considerate and understanding towards claimants and he treats reps very well. We need more like him!

Judge Rose has allowed testimony to be entered into record in which a doctor had never seen a patient; "split hairs" with an attorney and took his aggravation out on a claiment. This is a sign its time to step down.